Owners of the LG Spectrum 2 have something to be excited for, Jelly Bean is just around the corner! Verizon has now officially approved its latest update for the Spectrum 2, build number VS93021B, which includes an upgrade to Android 4.1.

Outside of the expected Jelly Bean improvements like notifications and Google Now, Verizon is also bringing plenty of their own software changes and fixes that are specific to the Spectrum 2. Some of the changes include Bluetooth optimizations, the ability to back up contacts when a SIM is swapped, and the removal of several preloaded widgets such as Social+, Finance and Power Control. The Weather app and widget also receives an update.

Alright so this is great news, but when exactly can we expect the rollout?

No official day is mentioned by Verizon, but typically Verizon releases this final information just days before the rollout begins. In the meantime you can always start manually checking for the build’s arrival by going to Menu>Settings>About Phone>Software Updates>Check for Updates.

Keep in mind that in Verizon’s usual fashion, the rollout will likely happen in phases and so it could take several weeks before it actually reaches you.

LG might have recently released its Intuition and Optimus G, as well as a LTE-less variant in the Google Nexus 4, but for the most part, high-end smartphone offerings from the company are still few and far between. For years now, LG’s main focus has been squarely on the middle range of the smartphone market. The LG Spectrum 2 is one of the latest of these devices, and it’s surprisingly well performing for a device with relatively modest specs.

Specs

1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait processor

1 GB RAM

16 GB internal storage

1280 x 720 HD display

2,150 mAh battery

8-megapixel rear-facing camera

1.3-megapixel front-facing camera

NFC

First Impressions

Before I actually got my hands on the LG Spectrum 2, I can’t say I was overly excited. I figured it would be another mid-range device without anything special about it. After using the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for so long, it’s hard for a lot of other phones to compare favorably.

After I got the Spectrum 2 out of the box and used it for a few hours, I started to realize that despite the middle of the road specs, the phone wasn’t feeling sluggish at all. As a matter of fact, it felt pretty snappy. Call me impressed.

Build Quality

The general feel of the LG Spectrum 2 is solid, if a bit bulky thanks to its wireless charging-ready battery cover (more on that later). The phone isn’t especially heavy, nor does it feel too light or cheaply made like many of its mid-range brethren. I wasn’t able to test this myself, but the Spectrum 2 feels like it would be able to fare pretty well in one of our drop tests. Obviously, this is just speculation.

While there are some who might say the design is on the plain side, I’m actually a fan of the design aesthetic LG is using in many of its recent models. The rectangular shape not only looks sleek, but seems to help you maintain a better grip on the device.

Screen

The screen is where the LG Spectrum 2 really shines in comparison to much of its competition. Having seen both the LG Optimus G and LG Intuition, I can say that the Spectrum 2’s display is on par with both of these higher-end devices.

While it may not be the latest and greatest, the 720p display is very crisp and sharp. Colors are extremely vivid, and black levels seemed surprisingly good even with the brightness turned up rather high. High definition video looks great on this screen, with no noticeable ghosting or blurring.

Performance

While it’s obviously not going to stand up to LG’s higher end offerings, the LG Spectrum 2 never felt laggy or slow during my time using it. I almost never noticed any stuttering when scrolling the home screens or the apps menu, apps launched quickly, and everything I threw at it performed as expected.

The LG Spectrum 2 includes demos for two games: Let’s Golf 3 and Real Racing 2. It would be somewhat embarrassing if the pre-installed games didn’t run smoothly, but this isn’t the case. Real Racing 2, which seems to be the more demanding of the two, ran without a hitch even when displaying a lot of other cars on screen. While it may not handle some of the most demanding games on the market, I found the Spectrum 2 to be surprisingly snappy.

Software

The LG Spectrum 2 runs Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. We’d all prefer Jelly Bean, but this is really no surprise given the number of phones still launching with Ice Cream Sandwich. Sadly, at the time of this writing, this is still no word on when or even if Jelly Bean will be coming to the Spectrum 2, but we’re hoping that LG will release details on this soon.

Instead of stock Android, the Spectrum 2 is outfitted with a themeable LG launcher. The choice of the default theme, dubbed “Optimus,” is somewhat questionable, as its easily the least readable of the included themes. Any of the three other options not only increases readability, but also looks better, at least to my eyes.

It looks like LG has some sort of deal going with Amazon, as a ton of Amazon apps are pre-installed. As usual, these apps can be disabled, but not uninstalled. This also goes for the included Verizon apps as well as various other apps like Amex Serve, NFL Mobile and even the included demos of Let’s Golf 3 and Real Racing 2. Luckily, in the case of the latter, the game data is only downloaded after you launch the game and answer yes to the prompt.

Camera

This something I’ve mentioned in other reviews, but for the most part, cameras in Android smartphones are generally the same. Good enough to replace a point and shoot for most people, but nothing groundbreaking. This is the case with the 8-megapixel camera in the LG Spectrum 2.

Picture quality is nice, but you won’t find yourself staring in disbelief, shocked at how amazing the photos are. Color reproduction is good with none of the strange color issues that have been popping up in some other devices.

One area where the LG Spectrum 2 outclasses some of its mid-range competition is in its 1080p video capture. Some devices that I’ve seen recently have implemented 1080p video as a glorified slideshow with framerates in the single digits. The Spectrum 2 avoids this pitfall. It’s not going to replace your HD camcorder or DSLR, but it definitely produces usable video.

Battery

While the lower spec’d components also mean less of a power draw, I was still wary of the 2,150 mAh battery. Surprisingly enough, in the time I’ve been testing the LG Spectrum 2, the battery has held up very well.

On multiple occasions now I’ve used the phone two days in a row without charging overnight, with enough battery left to get through the second day without needing to charge mid-day. Obviously if you’re watching a lot of video or gaming on your Spectrum 2 it’s going to eat up the battery faster, but for standard everyday use, the battery life is very decent.

The LG Spectrum 2 supports wireless charging, and to test this, my review unit arrived with the optional wireless charging pad. Unfortunately, in the entire time I’ve been testing the LG Spectrum 2, I haven’t been able to get wireless charging working reliably. I’ve tried even conceivable way of placing the phone on the charging pad, and no matter what, it will eventually stop charging.

Looking around the internet, I haven’t seen any reports of this, which means its fairly likely that it is an issue with the charging pad I received.

Video Review

Conclusion

To wrap up, yes, there are certainly more powerful phones out there. If you’re looking for the best phone on the market spec-wise, the LG Spectrum 2 certainly isn’t it. That said, the performance it offers for the price is excellent. The Spectrum 2 is currently going for $99 with a 2-year Verizon contract, but only if you buy it online. Without a contract, it will cost you $499.

Have you already picked up the LG Spectrum 2? What do you think of it? Do you agree with me that it’s a good deal at $99, or do you find it lacking?

Verizon Wireless has officially announced their latest Android smartphone. Sadly it is another that happens to be running Ice Cream Sandwich, however that bit aside, the specs and pricing seem fair otherwise. Anyway, without any further adieu, the handset is the LG Spectrum 2 and it is available as of today.

Well, technically speaking, the handset is available online today. The in-store retail availability will follow sometime “in the coming weeks.” Verizon has the Spectrum 2 priced at $99.99, which comes after a $50 mail-in rebate and along with a two-year agreement.

With the pricing and release date out of the way, lets get into the specs. The LG Spectrum 2 features include a 4.7-inch (1280 x 720) True HD Advanced AH IPS display, Corning Gorilla Glass, dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait processor and 16GB of internal storage. Other goodies include the following;

4G LTE connectivity

microSD card slot

1GB of RAM

1.3 megapixel front-facing camera

8 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n

Bluetooth 4.0

2150 mAh battery

Wireless charging courtesy of the included battery cover

Finally, the Spectrum 2 also has NFC and will ship with a few reprogrammable LG Tag+ stickers so you can adjust your settings with a single tap between the device and the sticker.

BASKING RIDGE and ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and LG Electronics USA today announced the Spectrum™ 2 by LG. Exclusively for Verizon Wireless, the Spectrum 2 by LG will be available online on Oct. 30 at www.verizonwireless.com and will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

The Spectrum 2 by LG creates a unique wireless experience thanks to an ecosystem of features and accessories, allowing customers to avoid cables. The unique battery cover allows wireless charging, and it’s included at no additional cost. Contacts, maps and websites can be shared wirelessly using near-field communications (NFC), by tapping two compatible phones together. NFC can also be used with the included reprogrammable LG Tag+ stickers to create special smartphone modes for the office, home or car by tapping the stickers with the Spectrum 2 by LG. SmartShare also makes it possible to wirelessly view pictures and watch videos on a DLNA-enabled device.

The 4.7-inch True HD display will make the Spectrum 2 by LG stand out by enhancing the viewing experience when streaming movies, playing games and browsing the Web. The HD display, paired with Corning® Gorilla® Glass, delivers vivid and accurate colors, crisp, sharp text and clear images. Apps such as viewdini, make it easier than ever to find TV shows and movies that users can enjoy right on their Spectrum 2 by LG. Football fans will also be able to take advantage of the screen combined with 4G LTE speeds to watch live games for an unrivaled viewing experience.

The Spectrum 2 by LG helps to capture precious moments with its 8-megapixel camera and then takes it a step farther with its Advanced Image Editor and Video Wiz features. With these features, customers will have an editing studio in their hands to crop, rotate and add effects to photos and other multimedia documents that they can then share with friends over 4G LTE. The 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera allows customers to video chat with friends and family to easily stay in touch from virtually anywhere. Additional camera features include 1080p HD video recording, Intelligent Panorama Shot and Time Catch Shot to take photos before pressing the shutter button.

Accessorize and Protect:

LG Premium Sleeve with Smart Display – provides protection and displays notifications on the screen to show the number of missed calls, text messages, emails and voicemails. Customers can also customize the clock styles that are displayed when the Spectrum 2 by LG is inserted in the sleeve. The Premium sleeve will be available in stores and online atwww.verizonwireless.com for $24.99.

Additional Features:

Wireless charging capabilities thanks to the unique battery cover included in the box

Global Ready™ so customers can have voice and data service in more than 220 countries

Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Krait 1.5 GHz dual-core processor

Mobile Hotspot to share a 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices

16 GB of internal storage (formatted capacity is less) with microSD memory card support of up to 32 GB

QuickMemo™ allows customers to capture screenshots and add their own personalized commentary or drawings with a finger

Bluetooth® Version 4.0

Pricing and Availability:

The Spectrum 2 by LG will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com starting Oct. 30 for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/lg-spectrum-2-verizon-wireless-127091/feed/0Verizon rebate form reveals phones to be released by November 21, HTC DLX not on the listhttp://www.androidauthority.com/verizon-phones-to-be-released-by-november-uncovered-no-htc-dlx-127004/
http://www.androidauthority.com/verizon-phones-to-be-released-by-november-uncovered-no-htc-dlx-127004/#commentsTue, 30 Oct 2012 11:35:26 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=127004

We all absolutely positively hate mail-in rebates, but once in a while these might prove to be blessings in disguise. Well, not them exactly, but documents detailing them and informing us indirectly about phones to be released.

The latest Verizon rebate form lets us know about three handhelds that’ll hit Big Red by November 21, although the biggest story is who’s missing from that list. HTC’s DLX (aka DNA) has been making the rumor rounds lately, and despite it being most likely just a regional version of the Japanese J Butterfly, the official unveiling and launch are still on hold.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2 is another notable absence from the rebate form, but that doesn’t come as a surprise, as the doc only details offers valid through November 21 and we already know that the phablet will reach Verizon on the 29th.

As for unreleased phones that are on the list, there are only two that interest us directly – the LG Spectrum 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere 2.

The first of the duo has just had its spec sheet revealed via Best Buy, where it will cost $649.99 with no contract. The subsidized price is still unknown, but we’re guessing it’ll be around $150 after rebate with a two year carrier agreement. We could even hope to see Verizon releasing the 4.7-incher for just 100 bucks, but that seems unlikely considering that 720p display, 8 MP rear-facing cam and 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 CPU.

The Galaxy Stratosphere 2 has also had most of its specs revealed, including a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display, a 1.5 GHz dual-core S4 CPU, and an 8 MP camera. The price is again kept under wraps, but it’ll probably have to undercut the LG Spectrum 2 by at least $50.

A third phone to be released by Verizon comes from Nokia, but frankly the Lumia 822 is far from exciting, with its running of Windows Phone 8 and featuring of a 480 x 800 pix res 4.3-inch display. The rumored $99.99 price makes it a tad more appealing, but we think we’ll still stick to Android.

How about you? Will you be looking for the Spectrum 2 or Stratosphere 2? Or will you be waiting for the HTC DLX and GNote 2 phablets?

Back in August Android Authorityreported on the existence of the LG Spectrum 2. At the time we knew very little concrete information, other than it would arrive on Verizon just like the original LG Spectrum. While Verizon has yet to officially announce the upcoming smartphone, they may not have to. A new sales listing has appeared on Best Buy and includes several new details regarding the Spectrum 2.

According to Best Buy, the Spectrum 2 is currently priced at $649.99 with no contract. While Best Buy doesn’t mention the subsidized pricing for the Spectrum 2, we do know that Verizon plans to offer a $50 rebate, thanks to a new leak from DroidDog. With two leaks hitting the net today, it is more than likely that an official announcement is just around the corner.

Wondering what kind of hardware the LG Spectrum 2 features? The new LG smartphone will have a 4.7-inch 1280 x 720 display, 1GB of RAM, and a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor. Other specs include a microSD slot, an 8MP rear cam, 1.3MP front cam and Android 4.0 ICS.

This looks to be a reasonably decent smartphone, but it really doesn’t hold a candle when compared to the LG Optimus G or the rumored LG Nexus 4. With other more powerful options on their way, why would you buy the LG Spectrum 2? For many consumers, it will likely come down to affordability. What do you think of the Spectrum 2, interested?

You don’t get to be the largest wireless service provider in the United States by sitting around and doing nothing, which is why we were expecting for a while for Verizon to reveal its plans for this fall. But before Big Red got a chance to officially tell us something other than the Droid Razr HD and Maxx HD are coming “soon” and other “surprises” are to be expected, a Phone Arenatipster went on and shattered the mystery.

The “unnamed, but trustworthy” source spilled the beans on a number of upcoming Android phones, but also on Verizon’s line-up of Windows Phone 8 handhelds. We aren’t going to insist on the WP devices for obvious reasons, so here’s what we know about Verizon and Android’s love affair.

First off, the Droid Incredible X is still coming, despite HTC making us look like fools the other day with the Android-ignoring New York press event. We’ve been hearing about the “phablet” for more than just a few weeks, but today’s the first time someone is bold enough to tell us that the beast is scheduled for a November launch.

Phone Arena’s source states that the Droid branding is just about certain, as is the featuring of 4G LTE speeds. Other than that, there’s nothing new, so we’re still expecting the gadget also known as One X5 or Endeavor C2 to come with a 1080p 5-inch display, a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro SoC, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

The LG Spectrum 2 will actually undercut the Incredible X, being set to enjoy an early October release on Verizon. As far as specs go, this doesn’t look like a contender, although the 4.7-inch TrueHD screen, 8 MP camera, and 2,150 mAh battery sound high-end-ish enough.

The dual-core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 processor and the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich sound less hot, not to mention we already spotted the Spectrum 2 in some leaked pics in the recent past and… we weren’t that impressed.

Lower on the Android “food chain” we have the Samsung Stratosphere 2, yet another phone we’ve been hearing rumors about for some time. This is thought to come out by the end of September with a dual-core Snapdragon S4 CPU, a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, an 8-megapixel camera, and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

The Pantech Perception might be even less exciting, though there are no specific details or specs known about it just yet. What we do know is that this will be a follow-up to the modest 4-inch, single-core processor powered Breakout from last year, which is enough to tell us that the Perception will be anything but high-end.

A couple of ZTE tablets might or might not be released by Verizon “by the end of Q3” (September 30, that is). There’s a 7- and a 10-incher mentioned, and, although we haven’t yet forgotten about the quad-core promises made at the MWC, we don’t think the tabs can still be now as exciting as they looked back then.

Last, but not least, we have some news about the releases of the already unveiled Motorola Droid Razr HD and Maxx HD. The first is scheduled to be released “in the middle of Q4”, while the second will be seeing the light of day in November, which could actually mean the same thing.

We have some exciting things to look for from Verizon – if this rumor proves accurate – not to mention the carrier will also be launching the Galaxy Note 2 soon. Is that still the most appealing device to be released by Big Red or are you becoming more interested in the Droid Incredible X, Droid Razr HD or LG Spectrum 2?

The LG Spectrum 2 has failed to retain its visual aura of mystery, as the device was caught in all its full glory in a picture spread – complete with accessories – within a matter of hours after the news first broke about its eventual Verizon arrival.

As seen above, Verizon’s LG Spectrum 2 is pictured hanging out with a host of similarly unannounced accessories, which include the phone’s desktop dock, car-mounted dock and a protective case. Given that the photo is leaked ahead of schedule, the quality isn’t quite top notch and you can’t quite make out the phone itself.

Since we know that the LG Spectrum 2 is going to be based on LG’s Optimus LTE 2, we don’t think the final product would veer off too much from the original – save for the usual Verizon marking here and there.

As for the specs, price, and launch date of the LG Spectrum 2, not much progress has been made since we last reported about the phone hours ago. But to drum up some excitement, here’s what the Optimus LTE 2 is packing inside: 4.7-inch True HD IPS display, dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4, 2GB RAM, 8MP rear camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 2,150mAh battery, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

With the original Samsung Stratosphere reaching the ripe age of 1 year old on Verizon, it’s about time for Big Red to release a refreshed model of the slider. Just so happens, the Stratosphere 2 is one of two new phones that are listed on Verizon’s equipment guide for the second half of the year.

The Samsung Stratosphere 2 (i415) first came to our attention last week, but save for the name, we had zero information on the device. The new listing of the phone provides a first visual glimpse of the Stratosphere 2, as well as a tiny bit information of specs.

By that, we mean that we only know of the phone’s 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 5-row QWERTY keyboard, and 4G LTE connectivity. To make an educated guess, it’ll probably come with a Snapdragon S4 processor and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The second new offering that Verizon is prepping is the LG Spectrum 2. The original Spectrum was based on Optimus LTE, so it would make sense for the successor to be based on the Optimus LTE 2. Just like the Stratosphere, we may see the phone sporting a Snapdragon S4 chip. We expect the Spectrum 2 to feature an HD display and 8MP rear camera.

Which out of two grab your attention the most, the Samsung Stratosphere 2 or the LG Spectrum 2? Let’s not forget that a couple of Droid Razr phones and the phablet LG Intuition will also be introduced soon by Verizon.